Dad and I talk about two topics on my mind this week. First, how do we avoid passing along our own fears to our kids? Secondly, how do we provide our kids the tools they'll need to cope with life's challenges? Dad suggested that modeling and teaching kids about mindfulness (i.e. how to stop and think before acting) can help.

Dad and I talk about toddler tantrums and he shares a tip for letting the tantrum diffuse by not jumping in to "fix things" in the heat of the moment. This conversation led to the challenges Cody and I have been having with bedtime routine with our three year old. After a little discussion, dad suggested a creative solution to help with bedtime stalling and resistance. Spoiler, we've been trying both tips for several weeks now and they've helped a lot! Playing pretend at bedtime has been a game changer.

"No, mommy do it!" Sound familiar? This week my dad and I talk about the importance of understanding the "why" behind behaviors and we brainstormed a few solutions to help my toddler equally prefer daddy to help her do things.

Mom of three and school psychologist, Alissa Anderson, shares examples of how to be mindful in the heat of the moment. She also talks about her family's screen time checklist that even her three year old daughter has embraced!

Mom of three and school psychologist, Alissa Anderson, shares a great example of a mindful parenting moment she experienced with her family. She also describes how we can help our kids by rewarding their character vs. behavior.

This is part 2 to Dad and I's conversation about discipline. In this episode we talk through a few tools that can help parents avoid jumping into the ultimate power struggle - grounding.

What do you do when your toddler or child doesn't do what you asked? In this episode we talk through why 'momentary rules' allow you to be mindful and flexible and how pre-set rules can box you into a power struggle.

Theresa, mom to a toddler (and one on the way) shared how she has had to reflect on the power of words when talking through situations with her two year old.

As we're all cooking at home more often during the pandemic, it can become challenging to make meals that are nutritious and toddler-friendly. In our "Part 2" interview with Alex Larson, Registered Dietitian, she shares three tips to help parents find a balance between making healthy meals and being able to relax and enjoy a simple and fun meal together.

Alex, mom of two sweet boys, shares her story of discovering her toddler's sensory processing disorder. Hearing how she has adjusted her parenting to meet the needs of her child, instead of trying to change her child's behavior to meet her own needs, is very insightful. Alex is also a Registered Dietitian and will be sharing some great children's nutrition tips in a "Part 2" episode!